Newport Locals Making a Difference in the Community
What makes Newport Beach so special isn’t the roaring waves and picturesque coast — it’s the community filled with compassionate individuals looking to make a positive impact. With a never-ending group of people dedicating their lives to bettering the next generation, we wanted to highlight a few locals who are going above and beyond in town, making Newport not only a better city in general, but a better place to live for the future.
Autism By The Sea
Autism By The Sea is a non-profit Autism awareness program that prides itself on connecting families, raising awareness, and providing resources on how to support the children with autism in our community. Starting as a small discussion group of moms to becoming a large informational organization, they have been able to learn and grow with many of Newport’s families. They encourage and educate our community, and will continue to touch more hearts in the future.
Becky Hill
Becky Hill is a board member and integral part of CHOC’s Glass Slipper Guild, a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Children’s Hospital of OC. CHOC’s Glass Slipper Guild has been instrumental in organizing fundraiser events, community outreach initiatives, and advocacy efforts to support pediatric healthcare.
Ben Carlson Foundation
The Ben Carlson Foundation was named after the late lifeguard, Ben Carlson, who lost his life in the line of duty in 2014. Now the foundation honors his hero legacy by promoting ocean safety and supporting lifeguard and water safety initiatives through the Ben Carlson Scholarship Program. Since their beginning, they have provided over $250,000 in college Scholarships to over 20 outstanding students across the US.
Bernadette Olsen
Bernadette Olsen is the founder of the Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club which focuses on healing through horses. This non-profit offers therapeutic riding experiences that enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of people of all ages, helping them to embrace a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and connection with horses.
Jeff “Yoki” Yokoyama
Jeff “Yoki” Yokoyama created Yoki’s Garden, a mission to bring sustainability and creativity to Newport Harbor High School’s campus. Yoki has brought together students passionate in fields of business, finance, fashion design, and marketing, to start a clothing business for the students by the students. All products are made from recycled football jersey’s and spiritwear to make new and innovative designs to support our Newport Harbor community. All profits made at campus hosted events go directly back to the school and program.
